One Lucky Fox

[yocum137]

Well, the journey began today. I purchased the deposit that a builder posted on Barnstormers and my kit's production date is April 2021. I'm live in the shadow of Lucky Peak on the SE side of Boise, hence the name - One Lucky Fox.

Plans always change, but I can say for certain that I have settled on the STI version. I'm about 90% sure I'll go with the 915is engine to compensate for the higher elevations in Idaho. We moved here from the Midwest where I had a Pietenpol Air Camper (N8031) which was decent plane for flying at low altitudes over a huge runway (i.e., corn and bean fields). But, flying in/near/around mountains is definitely going to be different so extra power is warranted, I think.

Can I Go Fly Today Peter Rabbit?

[DesertFox4]

Congratulations Dan. The Kitfox STi and a 915 is an Idaho backcountry pilot’s dream.👍 Very best of luck.

[yocum137]

Metal movement has commenced.

The inventory took a few days over Christmas break. It was very satisfying, almost zen-like. Start with Box 1, lay out the bags, find the PN in the inventory sheet and mark it off. I was only stumped by 3 items - the fuel placard sheets are in the big white, sealed envelope. Open it to find the PNs. The STi wing kit box is listed on the sheets as a separate item. If you get to the end and that’s the only item not checked, you already inventoried the box (it’s in box 8, fwiw). Lastly, the hinged turtle deck instructions were missing. Heather emailed me a copy and that was it.

Here’s my 2c on reaming.

tl;dr: file down the round end of the reamer to fit into a nut socket; takes 10 minutes. Then use a screw-driver with flex extension, 7/16” nut fitting, attached to the reamer. Use painters tape to affix popsicle sticks to the horizon stab to prevent scratching.

Dad was a sucker for cheap tools and barn sales. 30+ years ago he bought me a screwdriver with a flex extension. I hated that thing, but I couldn’t bring myself to throw it away. Well, today it earned its keep.

https://photos.app.goo.gl/9gPSCn37y7L8GA6U7

[Kitfox Pilot]

Yes it will have to come off to cover and other reasons. I know how you feel, it would be nice to leave on. I'm hoping mine is going back on for good in a few days!

[yocum137]

I got the adjustable pedal kit and these are the 1/16" roll (aka tension) pins that came with it. In the picture I included, and used, the anodize black pins I bought from Amazon:

IMG_7085.jpg

[rv9ralph]

Look at figure D-2 on page 35 of the Final Assembly section of the Build Manual. The reference for the "Flap Bellcrank" to measure the 11.5 degrees shows that as the part of the assembly that connects the "flap" portion to the "aileron" portion.

Your picture shows you measuring the portion of the mixer that attaches to the flap handle pushrod.

I hope I both assessed your pictures correctly and explained my interpretation correctly.

Ralph

[yocum137]

Thank you!

[yocum137]

Work has been ongoing. Slower than I want, of course, but it’s been steady. So far the best purchase I’ve made is the table drill press. I’ve used it for a bunch of stuff including sanding the horizontal stab ribs to size. Take a round pencil, wrap masking tape around it until just under size of the LE tube, then wrap some 100 grit sand paper and tape it on. 600 RPM and sand away.

https://photos.app.goo.gl/1Sh5LSBxaa3ZrqCA6

8A1EBA94-5555-4104-BEEF-75821C2827B4.jpg

[Mark123]

It’s looking good. I’d recommend picking up a #12 reamer (.1890), as many of the bolts will not slide in after reaming at .1875. Harlan gave me that tip. I’m about 10 weeks into my build, and having a blast so far.

[yocum137]

It’s looking good. I’d recommend picking up a #12 reamer (.1890), as many of the bolts will not slide in after reaming at .1875. Harlan gave me that tip. I’m about 10 weeks into my build, and having a blast so far.

Huh. So far I haven't had to ream any larger than 0.1875, but I suspect you're farther along than I am. *shrug*